Biography
Biography: Nicola Luigi Bragazzic
Abstract
Ramadan fasting represents one of the five pillars of the Islam creed. Even though patients are exempted from observing this religious duty, they could be willing to take part into the religious ceremonies. Here, we review the extant literature focusing on the impact of Ramadan fasting on patients suffering from oral pathologies. From the collected evidences, we can claim that: 1) trans-cultural counseling of patients suffering from oral diseases is extremely important; 2) Muslim subjects could experience malodour and halitosis; the exact etiology of this phenomenon is complex, due to the accumulation of sulphur-containing compounds in the oral cavity, a decrease in salivation and changes in the oral microflora. An accurate oral hygiene when breaking the fast is recommended, for example using miswak which has anti-bacterial properties; 3) dental operations can be performed using special precautions, changing drugs and administering intramuscular or trans-dermal treatment instead of oral agents; appointments can be delayed or postponed, if necessary and possible; 4) patients with chronic systemic diseases, and especially metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, should take care of their oral cavity; 5) mouthwash and mouth-rinsing without water swallowing are allowed practices in Islam and ameliorate athletic performances, even though some patients or subjects could be reluctant to do it, perceiving these practices as a break of the fast.
